On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) call on its affiliates across Europe to support a campaign launched by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) to maintain the network of Journalists’ Solidarity Centers operational in 2025.
The NUJU, with IFJ, EFJ and UNESCO support, established six Journalists’ Solidarity Centers in Ukraine: five offices – in Lviv (with a presence in Chernivtsi), Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, as well as the headquarters in Kyiv.
The Centers, established in 2022 through the IFJ/EFJ special Safety Fund, have become vital lifelines for both Ukrainian and foreign journalists reporting on the ground. They provide safe workspaces, protective equipment, IFAK kits, and emergency assistance, particularly in frontline regions like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro.
While UNESCO has been the key institutional partner for over two years, their funding will end on 15 March 2025, creating a critical situation for the Centers’ operations.
“Despite the ongoing war, we must continue supporting Ukrainian journalists and do everything possible to ensure the future operations of the Solidarity Centers. These safe spaces have proven crucial for maintaining independent journalism in Ukraine. We can’t let our Ukrainian colleagues down,” said Maja Sever, EFJ President.
NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko emphasised the role of international solidarity: “The establishment and operation of our Solidarity Centers became possible thanks to the incredible international journalists’ solidarity following the invasion. We are grateful to every union for their constant support and care. This unity within our professional community has helped save lives and maintain the flow of truthful information from Ukraine.”
Unions can support the Centers by donating directly to NUJU’s account (€):
- IBAN: UA943052990000026005040107842
- Bank: JSC CB “PRIVATBANK”
- SWIFT: PBANUA2X
- Payment purpose: Donations for Journalists’ Solidarity Centers
- Full bank address: 1D Hrushevskoho str., Kyiv, 01001/ Bank country: Ukraine/ Correspondent bank: J.P. MORGAN AG, FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY /Account in the correspondent bank: 6231605145/ SWIFT Code of the correspondent bank: CHASDEFX
Every contribution will help maintain these essential services for journalists working in Ukraine.
Source: EFJ
